Qamar Ali Abbasi Passes away
New York: Renowned Pakistani writer, broadcaster and columnist Qamar Ali Abbasi – considered a trend-setter in writing Urdu travelogues – passed away in New York on May 31. Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ilehe Rajaoon. A prolific writer and a man of sterling qualities, he contributed a regular column to Urdu Link.
Abbasi was conferred the Tamagha-e-Imtiaz in 2000 and received the prestigious All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) Award in 1991 for writing the best column. He served Radio Pakistan for 32 years as station director in Khuzdar and Karachi, and as deputy controller and chief editor of Ahang and Pakistan Calling.
After leaving Radio Pakistan, Abbasi joined Jang Publications as an editor of Info Line. He wrote a large number of columns entitled “Dil Daria Hai”. Written with a light humorous touch, his columns quickly gained popularity among readers.
In 1999, he moved to the United States and joined the weekly publication, Awam, as chief editor. He had been living with his wife Neelofar Abbasi (of television fame) in New York.
The renowned writer was born in Amroha, India and moved to Pakistan at the age of nine. He got his early education in Murree and then moved on to Hyderabad. He completed his BA (Hons), MA (Economics) and MA (Urdu) from the University of Sindh. He joined the National College Karachi as a lecturer of economics. Abbasi passed the CPSC examination and joined Radio Pakistan Lahore as assistant director in 1966.
He published 28 travelogues and 18 books for children.
May his soul rest in peace and Allah grant the bereaved family courage and fortitude to bear the loss. Ameen.
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